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Pica
Pica is a feeding and eating disorder defined in DSM-5-TR by the persistent eating of one or more non-nutritive, non-food substances over a period of at least one month. Presentations are conventionally named for the ingested substance.
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Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology
Explore clear, research-informed definitions of key concepts connecting nutrition, mental health, behavior, and psychological well-being.
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About the ENP
A trusted guide to nutritional psychology terminology
Nutritional psychology examines how dietary patterns, nutrients, food-related behaviors, and psychological factors interact with mental health and well-being. Launched by the Center for Nutritional Psychology in 2024, the Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology defines the terms, mechanisms, processes, and research areas shaping this growing field.
Created for students, educators, researchers, healthcare professionals, and curious readers, the ENP includes hundreds of clear, research-informed entries. Content is written and regularly updated by contributors across relevant scientific disciplines, with new entries and major revisions reviewed by the CNP Encyclopedia Editorial Board before publication.
The encyclopedia helps readers understand terminology and foundational concepts. For deeper exploration of the studies behind those concepts, visit the Nutritional Psychology Research Library .
Encyclopedia entries
Select a term to read its definition and supporting context.
Plant-Based Diets
Dietary Patterns
Plant-based diets emphasize foods derived from plants and range from vegan and vegetarian patterns to Mediterranean-style eating. Their healthfulness depends on overall diet quality, nutrient adequacy, and an emphasis on whole or minimally processed foods.
Pleasure
A transient emotional state resulting from the satisfaction of a desire or a craving (as opposed to happiness, which refers to a lasting emotional state of contentment) (Gros, 2020).
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
A common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, marked by irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen levels, and polycystic-appearing ovaries. It is often associated with insulin resistance, metabolic disturbances, and…
Polyphenols
Plant Compounds and Health
Polyphenols are naturally occurring plant compounds found in foods and beverages such as fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee, cocoa, nuts, and legumes. They are studied for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and their potential effects on brain function, cognition, mood, and mental health.
Positive Alliesthesia
The increase in reward value of a stimulus based on its potential to move the body’s physiological state toward homeostasis (Simmons & Deville, 2017); an increase in pleasurable sensations associated…
Positive Dietary Intake Effects (PDIEs)
PDIEs are factors influenced by dietary intake that are associated with healthy psychological functioning and positive well-being. They include positive psychological processes, including feelings of happiness, optimism, contentment, and life…
Post-Ingestive Food Pleasure (PIFP)
A subjective conscious sensation of pleasure and joy experienced after eating (Duerlund et al., 2019).
Post-Ingestive Sensations
The subjective perceptions of the body after eating (Duerlund et al., 2019).
Post-Intake Sensations (PIS)
Interoceptive physiological sensations arising from the post-ingestion and absorption phase of the preceding food intake that leads to positive sensations (i.e., energy stability, satiation, comfort, etc.) or negative sensations (i.e.,…
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Academic oversight
Editorial Board
Meet the editors and subject specialists supporting the Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology.
Executive and Associate Editors
Co-Principal Editors
Ephi Morphew-Lu
The Center for Nutritional Psychology
Shereen Behairy
The Center for Nutritional Psychology
Associate Editors
Nabila Pervaiz
The Center for Nutritional Psychology
Technical Support
Tahir Yasin
The Center for Nutritional Psychology
Subject Editors
Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Child Psychology
Dr. Vishruti Patel, PsyD
Clinical Psychology
Psychology
Dr. Vladimir Hedrih, PhD
University of Niš, Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Psychology
Nutritional Immunology
Dr. Emilia Vassiloupoulou, PhD, BSc
Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece and Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
Nutrition and Dietetics
Eileen Santana RD, CDN
The Center for Nutritional Psychology
